Eagle Marsh Berm Construction to Continue this Spring

The construction of an earthen berm in Eagle Marsh will resume work this spring to prevent the invasion of Asian carp and other aquatic nuisance species from entering the Great Lakes or Mississippi River. The work, which commenced this fall, succeeded in clearing vegetation and trees from the existing berm and installing an erosion-controlled fence. The fence will prevent reptiles, amphibians, and other wildlife from getting into the construction site. If this fence was not completed by October 31 and wildlife had gotten into the area, construction would have been delayed until August 1st of next year, according to bid specifications. Officials wanted to avoid disturbing overwintering reptiles and amphibians or their reproductive and emergence habits in spring. Construction next year will continue to build up the earthen berm on the east and south sides of Graham-McCulloch Ditch.